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Even though a hydroponic system—basically, a garden without soil—might sound like it would be complicated to build, it can actually be as simple as a jar, some pebbles, and some growing mix. If you don't want to figure out how to put it together yourself, meet the Grow Jar—a simple hydroponic kit now on Kickstarter.

Designed by a father and his young son, the Grow Jar uses a jar made of recycled plastic to hold water, with another small container holding the growing mix at the top. A plant in the container will draw up water through the capillary action of its roots. Though the jars are small, the designers say you can grow foods like kale, peppers, or tomatoes inside.

At a recent talk, I heard a farmer named Scott Chaskey say he thought every person in the United States should try growing a food plant so they have a better understanding of what it takes to get a piece of produce to the market, and their homes. Don't have a garden? This little growing system could be one place to start (along with other apartment-farming favorites, like Windowfarms). Check it out on Kickstarter.